The Thorax (VM4)

(Corresponds to former VMII and PIVM)

CPD/CPE: 24hrs

Course Accreditation - Click here for more informationATMS: Australian Traditional Medicines Society has approved this course for 24 CPE Points

Full Fee: $1300inc GST.
The Saver Price of $1100 is available until the 2nd Nov 2024 - Brisbane
The Saver Price of $1100 is available until the 13th Sept 2025 - Melbourne

Course Outcomes

In this four day course, Visceral Manipulation: The Thorax (VM4), participants will study the functional biomechanics of the thoracic cavity and explore the relationship between the hard and soft frame, its countless articulations for respiration, circulatory requirements and upper body movement patterns. The course will provide participants with ample, supervised hands-on instruction in order to practice locating, evaluating and normalizing primary areas of dysfunction.

After taking Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 1 and 2, participants will have become acquainted with the feel of the different abdominal organs and local restrictions. The Thorax course takes an expanded look at the functional biomechanics of the thoracic cavity and explores the relationship between the hard frame and soft frame with its countless articulations for respiration, circulatory requirements and upper body movement patterns.

Course Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, participants will have learned:

  • To locate the visceral fascia of the throat and thoracic cavity;
  • The anatomy, biomechanics and function of the thoracic organs;
  • The biomechanics of the cervical, thoracic, rib cage and shoulder girdle complex;
  • Techniques to release the soft tissue components of the thoracic inlet and hyoid apparatus and practice listening techniques within the thoracic activity;
  • Integration of the thoracic organs with the complex ligament systems of that body region
  • Techniques for differentiating between somatic and visceral causes for thoracic and spinal problems;
  • Pleura, Lungs, Pericardium, Heart, Mediastinum, Thyroid, Trachea, Esophagus, Sternum, Rib Cage and Thoracic Plexuses.

Prerequisite: VM2 or VM1B

Required Reading

  • Hard copy version of the The Thorax text book by Jean-Pierre Barral, RPT, DO and Pierre Mercier. Available for $90inc GST Plus $15 P/H. Email admin@barralinstitute.com.au or call 0411 488198 to order.

Suggested Reading

  • Atlas of Human Anatomy by Frank Netter, MD, and/or
  • A Regional Atlas of the Human Body by Carmine Clemente.
The Thorax (VM4) Course Dates
Date Course (Click link below for Booking Form) Location
Oct 18-21
(2025)
The Thorax - VM4 The Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne
DrRonMariottiDr. Mariotti started his manual therapy career as a massage therapist focusing mainly on Visceral Manipulation. He began studying with Jean-Pierre Barral, DO, MRO(F), PT in 1992. In 2000, he began leading study groups in Visceral Manipulation in Seattle, Washington and teaching Visceral Manipulation to naturopathic medical students. In 2009 Dr. Mariotti became a Barral certified instructor of VM1, VM2, VM3, VM4, VM5, LT1 and NM1. In 2004, Dr. Mariotti graduated from Bastyr University with a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine. In the US, naturopathic physicians are Licensed Primary Care Providers educated in diagnosis and evaluation of medical disorders using standard conventional diagnostic procedures and functional diagnostic tools focusing on the evaluation of the whole person. After completing an undergraduate degree and completing all pre-med requirements, a naturopathic physician must complete a four to six year post-graduate medical degree as well as undergo basic and clinical science national board licensing exams. Naturopathic physicians are trained in counseling, diet/nutrition, homeopathy, botanical medicine, physical medicine, minor surgery and the use of prescriptive drugs. Dr. Mariotti works out of his Seattle, Washington private practice offering his patients an integrative approach to managing their health utilizing Visceral Manipulation within a naturopathic medical model.Dr. Mariotti has written an article “Melatonin and the Gut” as well as publishing a book “The Naturopathic Approach to Visceral Manipulation, Volume I.” Volume II and III are expected to be published in the next couple years.
Dr. Ron Mariotti Course List
Date Course (Click link below for Booking Form) Location
Apr 18-20
(2026)
Listening Techniques 2: An Integrative Approach to Evaluation - LT2 The Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney
Apr 22-24
(2026)
Visceral Manipulation: Advanced Clinical Applications for Common Gastrointestinal & Urogenital Issues - VM-ACA-GU The Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney

Loading Map....
Booking Instructions

Welcome to Barral Institute's online service for booking your course...

Date/Time 26/10/2019 - 29/10/2019
9:00 am - 5:30 pm

Location The Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney, 359 Crown St, Surry Hills, Sydney, NSW, Australia


Booking Option 1:

If you have been provided with a user account for this website from Shane Hill, you will need to LOGIN to register for the course you have selected using the member booking form.


Booking Option 2:

If you have NOT been provided with a user account for this website from Shane Hill, please fill in the following form to register for the course you have selected.

Please enter your name below as you would like it to appear on your course certificate.
Booking Request Form

Bookings are closed for this event.